Mugshot of Rashawn Jackson. Photo Credit: THE VIRGIN ISLANDS POLICE DEPARTMENT.
ST. THOMAS — Rashawn Jackson, accused of firing the fatal shots that killed 31-year old Cursim Hansen in the West Indies Company (WICO) parking lot in October, appeared in court on Friday, facing manslaughter and gun possession charges, among others.
The incident occurred in the wee hours of Saturday October 21, following a physical altercation inside Pier 22, a popular restaurant and bar. Witness accounts, backed up by surveillance footage subsequently viewed by police, indicate that after the fight inside, two men left the establishment, still wanting to scuffle. Both men reportedly went to their respective vehicles, and Hansen reportedly retrieved a firearm and used it to shoot at Jackson’s black Ford F-150.
It is believed that Jackson returned fire, hitting Hansen at least once. He then exited the truck and continued shooting, allegedly even picking up Hansen’s gun and using it to fire additional shots into Hansen’s body.
Afterwards, he is reported to have fled the scene in a black Toyota Camry, alongside a female companion. Members of the Special Operations Bureau stopped the Camry as it was speeding away, and while speaking to the driver, reportedly spotted Jackson running towards the Tap and Still Restaurant and were able to detain him.
A few hours after the shooting, Jackson was speaking with police at the Criminal Investigation Bureau. He told them that there had been an altercation close to where he was, but declined to say anything further. Although they noticed what seemed to be blood on his shirt and shoes, detectives were not at the time able to make a positive identification and Jackson was allowed to leave.
Later that same Saturday, police went to check whether there were additional surveillance cameras that may have captured what occurred. They ultimately obtained more footage from nearby security cameras, which showed Jackson running towards the back of public restrooms located near gates 4 and 6 of the WICO pier. Detectives then searched the path he took and recovered two Glock firearms – one .40 caliber and the other a .45-caliber weapon – on a concrete slab on the ground. Additional footage allowed officers to identify Jackson as the shooter.
A check with the Firearms Bureau revealed that Jackson is not a licensed firearm holder in the Virgin Islands.
A warrant for his arrest was issued on November 21, and Jackson was arrested and charged with voluntary manslaughter, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, possession of ammunition, destruction of evidence, possession of stolen property, and reckless endangerment. He was remanded into custody to await his advice of rights hearing, which was held on November 24.
In court on Friday, Magistrate Paula Norkaitis found probably cause to uphold all charges against Jackson. Bail was set at $250,000, and with no 10% provision, Jackson must field the entire sum in order to secure his release.
He must also present a suitable third-party custodian before he can be freed ahead of trial. If he is able to satisfy the court’s requirements, he will be restricted to the St. Croix District and will have to contact the probation office twice a week by telephone, in addition to being confined to house arrest, with electronic monitoring.
The next court appearance for Jackson is scheduled for December 8.
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